LAHORE (04-09-24): The Secretary Livestock & Dairy Development (L&DD) Department Punjab Mr Saqib Ali Ateel paid a visit to the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore and called on Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Muhammad Younus (DLA.I, T.I) on Wednesday at City Campus.
Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Durrani, Registrar Sajjad Hyder and senior UVAS professors and livestock officials were present. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary said that livestock sector is the backbone of our national economy as 80 percent poor livestock farmers are associated with this sector. He urged working on climate change, sustainability, innovative technology, genetics improvement, automation, artificial intelligence and alternative fodder production is the key to boost livestock sector in Pakistan. He said that climate change is the main issue and it’s direly needed to work on it. Enhancing exports, eradication of foot and mouth disease and producing quality vaccine to control deadly diseases of livestock are priority areas, the secretary livestock added. He said that UVAS having a strong history plays a lead role to cope up livestock sector issues by using its knowledge, research and trained human resource.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Muhammad Younus said that UVAS is playing its pivotal role in the development of livestock sector and working shoulder to shoulder with Livestock Department Punjab to solve the sector issues. He assured UVAS assistance for Livestock Department Punjab to boost the sector.
Prof Dr Aneela Zameer durrani said it is direly needed to work on antibiotics and livestock Punjab Policy for the welfare of animals. She said that recently UVAS identified gap areas in the DVM curriculum with the help of students and international vet organizations and many modules have been added to updated curriculum according to modern day needs. Prof Dr Muhammad Ijaz also suggested veterinary simulation model.
The meeting participants spoke about UVAS research work regarding dairy animal reproduction by the use of in-vitro fertilization technology, information technology software linked with veterinary sciences for the guidance of students and vaccine production process to curb livestock diseases.
The Secretary Livestock along with Prof Dr Muhammad Younus, Director Information Technology Mr Rizwan Saleem and other dignitaries inaugurated digitalization of internship management system and milk supply management system developed by Directorate of Information Technology in collaboration with Faculty of Veterinary Science for the facilitation of students and UVAS employees.
Later the Secretary Livestock along with Prof Younus visited various departments of City Campus including Veterinary Academy, BSL-3 Lab and Sports Complex etc. During visit Saqib Ali Ateel planted a sapling in front of Vice-Chancellor Office Lawn for the promotion of greenery at UVAS.
